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EU recycling: Spain launches deposit, Moldova & France plans

Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-08-20 18:32 UTC → 2026-08-24 06:21 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The EU continues to expand its recycling and deposit-return frameworks. Moldova has approved a beverage container deposit system, slated to become operational by 25 January 2027, covering plastic, glass, and metal. Additionally, Moldova’s EcoVoucher programme has collected over 300 tonnes of household appliances. In Spain, the Sistema de Depósito, Devolución y Retorno (SDDR) ~~officially~~ launched on 12 August 2026. The scheme imposes a €0.10 refundable deposit on cans, plastic bottles, and cartons up to three litres, aiming for a 90% recycling rate by 2029. This initiative follows a failure to meet 2023 targets, where only 41.3% of plastic bottles were recycled against a 70% goal. In Andalusia, the 10-cent deposit system has been implemented to provide a financial incentive for recycling, though the mechanism initially caused some confusion regarding fund recovery. The system may also influence social behaviors, such as the collection of discarded containers from public spaces. Despite the launch, the Spanish food and packaging sectors anticipate a delay in the full implementation of the SDDR for single-use containers. While the initial target was November 2026, industry stakeholders suggest the rollout may be pushed back to January 2029, the final EU deadline. Stakeholders cite logistical hurdles, including the management of 17 billion units annually across 500,000 establishments, and the need for investments between €400 million and €600 million for infrastructure. The fragmented municipal structure and a consumption model reliant on bars and restaurants are also noted as significant challenges. Furthermore, supermarket chain Mercadona has stated there is currently no official start date for its implementation, noting that the rollout is undergoing exhaustive analysis to resolve technical and logistical questions. France is advancing several initiatives: a national plastic beverage container deposit scheme is proposed for 1 January 2029, though local officials have protested, calling it “green-washing.” Meanwhile, the Ministry for the Ecological Transition has approved an “environmental cost” food label for 2027. The Netherlands is proposing to extend its “statiegeld” system, while Poland’s EPR legislation remains stalled.

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